The Rainbow Warriors will spend Labor Day in meetings and participating in a 90-minute practice.

* * * * *

The Captains' Council has named defensive end Tavita Woodard, linebacker Brenden Daley and receiver/returner Chris Gant as this week's captains. This is the second week Woodard and Daley were chosen; three captains are selected for every game.

* * * * *

The coaches also are working on crafting the 64-player travel roster for Saturday's road game against Oregon State. The general rule is this breakdown: 30 offensive players, 30 defensive players, four specialists. The Warriors usually travel with three quarterbacks, but it appears fourth-string quarterback Ikaika Woolsey will make the trip as a holder. The other quarterbacks are Taylor Graham, Sean Schroeder and Jeremy Higgins.

Any chance Hawaii's offense can execute plays like EWU did against Oregon state? Or is Taylor Graham gonna make things difficult again like this past weeks game? Many are saying that if he hasn't learned anything by now, in terms of accuracy, going through his progressions, reading the defense, etc, he'll never learn at all. What do you think?

#6 Unless the Oline improves, the offense will continue to look shaky. On the bright side... Oregon St got almost zero pressure on the QB for most of the game with their DLine without blitzing. Vernon Adams (EWU) had all kinds of time to observe and pick apart the Beaver secondary. He went for 77% completions, 411 pass yds and 4 TDs.

Adams is a dual threat QB, but he was rarely forced into a quick decision/checkdown/scramble. He had plenty of time to observe and wait for the WRs to get open.

The Mountain West took some lickings this opening weekend. Plenty of fodder for power conference media to bash the conference should somebody go undefeated (not likely this year).

MWC round up:
Boise St got smoked by UW 38-6... Peterson hasn't been able to recruit very good athletes at the skill positions on offense. They aren't close to recovering from Moore, Martin, Pettis and Young's departure two years ago. Starting QB Southwick is very limited. Surprised Peterson hasn't found a better QB.

Fresno was in a surprise shootout with Rutgers winning 52-51 (OT). We all know Fresno can score, but who knew their defense was that bad? Rutgers never put up more than 38pts vs FBS opponents the past 2 seasons.

San Jose St played a cupcake and took care of business, albeit unspectacularly 24-0. Couldn't draw any overly positive or negatives other than the defense looked good vs 1AA talent... They just took care of business.

Nevada got hammered by UCLA 58-20. Not overly surprising, as UCLA will probably win the Pac 12 South. Nevada failed to force a single UCLA punt. UCLA won the 2nd half 41-7 after a competitive 1st half and UCLA scored on their first 5 drives after halftime. Fajardo was largely ineffective vs an athletic defense (164yds and 0 TDs). Nevada gets a pass on this one as the talent disparity was pretty huge. They have a cupcake next week vs UC Davis so UNR fans can really see what Rolo has to offer post-Chris Ault.

Utah St lost to in-state big brother Utah in a close game. Good game. Utah just put their foot down gutted out a tough win vs a quality Utah St team.

Wyoming may have been the most impressive MWC team this week. Narrowly pulling off the shocker at Nebraska, losing 37-34. The Cowboys amazingly put up over 600yds vs Nebraska, a program that prides itself on great defense. This might be Bo Pelini's last year at Nebraska.

San Diego St was the most embarrassing performance in the MWC this weekend, losing to 1AA Eastern Illinois. Check that, not just losing, the Aztecs were blown out at home 40-19. EIU scored 21 unanswered after the game was tied 19-19 in the 3rdQ. SDSU's inexperienced DBs were lit up by EIU and their offense was inefficient. Star RB Muema was held to 17yds on 10 attempts (1.7 avg) by a 1AA defense. This program is now starting to feel the effects of Brady Hoke's departure to Michigan in 2011. SDSU had to replace a ton of key players from 2012's team and the new starters looked horrible. Smells like the Jones/McMackin dejavu taking place in SDSU... New coach rides previous coaches coattails until the key players graduate, exposing new coach's recruiting shortcomings.

Defensive secondary looks improved, along with the front 7. Ne'Quan and Merrell, in particular. Amazing what a year, albeit a rough one, can make. Hope they can continue to play at the same level of intensity and focus in Corvallis.

The biggest positive I saw was that DTs Samia, Malepai, Matagiese held their ground vs a solid USC OLine.

The next best positive was the DB unit as a whole. NeQuan and Maggitt did a superb job in man coverage. On many occasions, including the sack resulting in the safety, the CBs took away Kessler/Wittek's 1st option, forcing the QB to hold the ball longer than designed. Jackson and JH-T are rock solid.

ST-that's just great--now we have both the two of the prettiest QBs in the league and the two most previously hyped guys out of college. Not sure if I should call GQ magazine or see whether Brett Farve has a little left in the tank...

ST- hmmm, I can't imagine they dump pretty Sanchez and eat 8 million plus without any compensation. My other thought is that they are having buyers remorse with Geno Smith, and are securing a plan C with the QB with largest biceps and hardly any wins or starts...

31.. To really know the impact those 2 made, you can't even look at the stat book really... Last year, our D linemen didn't have the awareness to read the QBs eyes and bat balls down.. They did on Friday... And with JGW, his discipline as far as assignment has improved a ton... He makes plays that sets up tackles and sacks for other guys. His ability to cover TEs is so valuable. Bobby Curran was talking all week on the biggest issue Hawaii might have would be stopping 2 NFL TEs for USC. Those 2 were never a factor that would have torched Hawaii defenses in the past..

The only question I have now is can we make plays against spread teams and teams that have a QB that can run....

Who's this "graham is the best crowd" you're talking about? people have already stated many times on this board that this is his first game against an athletic USC defense with a bad o-line and freshman receivers. By the second or third game, we'll see where the progress is.

just because you construct a fantasy in your head doesn't make it a reality. But wait, let me guess: if higgins was starting, we would've beat USC 52-7 and gone 12-0 with a sugar bowl berth in your revised projections.

The Oregon State line is now -27 depending on the site. Wynn LV had it at -28. There are a lot of things against Hawaii this week.
1) The Beavers are in a foul mood after losing to EW.
2) They are playing in Corvallis where the last time they lost 45-7.
3) Hawaii's overall road record is dismal.
4) Hawaii has an inexperienced QB. Oregon State has basically 2 experienced QBs.
5) PAC 12 teams are feasting on Mountain West teams. Utah, USC, Colorado, Washington, and UCLA all beat Utah State, Hawaii, Colorado St, Boise St., and Nevada. You can see the trend and I don't see why anything would change this week.

A couple of things, I hope Woosley gets to take some reps this week. If Graham struggles after the first quarter I would consider giving someone a shot, maybe Schroeder or Higgins. You don't want to make a change before it's too late. You can always go back to Graham if the backups struggle also. Chow's job is to win, with whoever can do the job. That's why players practice so that they can be prepared. I'll tell you what, if we had that Eastern Washington QB, Vernon Adams, we probably would have beaten USC. I'm pleased with the play of our defense and special teams. With so many new players, these young guys can play Division I football. The 2 most glaring weakness on our team is QB and the offensive line. It's obvious. But I still say that if we had a QB who can make plays with his arm and his legs that the offensive line would automatically be a lot better. You can't get sacked 7 times a game and expect to win. The one plus for Hawaii is that the Oregon State QBs are not good runner either so if our defense can get to them then it helps our team a lot. But, Oregon St. does have a good running back, Storm Woods and an excellent receiver in Brandon Cooks. Graham has got to get rid of the ball quick after making his reads.

JGW is a BEAST. That guy has instincts, period. I feel the same way about Marrell Jackson. I have been pleasantly surprised with Phillips too.

btw, ST . . . I enjoyed Inside Access last night. Like the new set and the new "Tsai's Matters" segment. AND, you have some bad a$$ glasses.

On the other hand, I didn't really care for "Rainbow Warriors: Inside the Huddle." I thought Miano's commentary was good when it was off the cuff, but otherwise it was too scripted. Literally. They sat there and read off of pieces of paper. I will still watch though, as I am a chronic for UH football news.

Colt had that knack of throwing the ball where only his receiver could get to it. He also would throw the ball when the receivers were making their break, not after. TG's got to develop those senses to succeed in this league. Too many near interceptions.

lol how do you argue with someone that does the rhetorical equivalent of sticking his fingers in his ears and going "la la la la la! i'm right!" the entire time? you can't. regardless of how intellectual and correct you think yourself to be, IT, you really don't know much. you're not even grasping basic tenets such as process oriented thinking and player progression that you would know about if you ever played sports at a high level (or coached sports at any level), especially college athletics. to be honest, your imposter makes much more entertaining and interesting posts than you do. at least he knows he sounds like a tool.

now i know you're just gonna respond with some other dumb remark trying to infantilize me or whoever else doesn't agree with you that chow should be fired after a season and one game and your bff jeremy higgins should be a first round draft pick in the nfl, and i'm okay with that. because even if you aren't aware of your own douchiness, other people are.

and that's what makes reading your posts so amusing. so keep on going on, brother.

Funny how bad ass our d was With 8-9 players starting with Mack's recruits and the whole defensive front rotation Mack's. not bad while he left the boards empty! if David graves was in I'm not sure we couldn't have squeaked out a win. I am impressed with the new WRs!

Norm Chow needs to find an offensive coordinator. First and foremost he must have a long term plan of an offense he wants around. That way when an OC leaves he should have someone already lined up or thought of as a replacement that will be accustomed to that offense. Continuity can be had for the players recruited.

Norm Chow has done credible on having upgraded recruiting by the size and speed that is starting to appear in players being brought in. Also Beemer as strength coach has already shown what the players are not being man handled by the opponents. Due to Beemer it appears the players are stronger and more fit.

If he wants to be here and keep his job he needs to get this offense going. I for one believe that he has a difficult time orchestrating the plays from the field. He is more of a up in the box OC. Last year he had one, a little beyond his years and this year none, or a very young inexperienced one. Also he and the quarterback needs to be constantly game planning on the sidelines when the D is on the field. If the HC cannot handle this dual role than hire someone to run the offense and let go of that part of the control.

63. I think the issue is Mack was a defensive guy so he brought in defensive talent.... I don't think they evaluated O line talent very well or developed those guys. Qbs pretty iffy too... Majority of the guys who made impact at QB were walk ons...

Well Ben Clarke looks to b future nfl. The Aussie guy who left was pretty good. I think Mack's problem was he stopped recruiting the JC guys n there for his last season he only had freshmen starting. And funny thing is after 2 seasons they still starting. As for QBs Greg Alexander was great until injury. Shane Austin was a walkon and Bryant moniz was a better walkon. I believe David graves was his first HS recruit and panned out pretty well. His first few games he got thrown into be did 10x better than anyone we have. And woosley is the apparent future.

Okay so our defense did a remarkable job against USC, but our defense did a VERY POOR JOB. Sure USC is very talented but our offense was unbelievably inept. Now Chow is offensive minded. He hires a former professional football player to be his line coach/ He fires his offensive coordinator. Yet our team cannot pick up the blitz. And where are our receivers going when the opposing linebackers leave their posts? WE have a 6'5" Qb who consistently throws into a crowd. I can clearly understand what happened to our season last year but I was sure hoping to see something better than that this year, USC or no USC!. But don't get me wrong about expecting to win over USC or any big thing like that but man we got to see something better!.

IMHO I think one of the reason Chow is having a hard time with his offense is that he can't see the field like he is use to. I would like to see him try for one game to be in the booth rather down on the field. Think about it during all the great years he had he was calling the plays from up above, it could be that he loses his perspective on the field level......

The absence of an OC in the booth is going to be a BIG handicap for Chow and the team this season...Like many, I think Chow should have left the offense to an OC and be more of an HEAD COACH. JJ has done that this year with Hal Mumme running the offense.

Personally, I think USC is way overrated. Their weakness is the QB position. I would rate Oregon, Stanford, UCLA, Arizona St., Washington, and maybe Arizona ahead of them. Even Oregon St. and California will give them problems. Colorado has improved also.

The only top QB who is not a good runner is A.J. McCarron. Everybody else, Braxton Miller, Bridgewater, Manziel, Hundley, Mariota, Hogan, Taylor Kelly, Fajardo, Keeton, etc. etc. can all make plays with their ability to run at different degrees. UH recruit Aaron Zwahlen can run and is very, very fast. Maybe time for Keelan Ewaliko to take some snaps in practice. Maybe he's being wasted as a defensive back right now. Just saying, gotta try to do some things to give our team a spark. If it doesn't work, try something else.

definitely by the second or third game, if no demonstrable progress is being shown at the qb position, changes probably should be made. at the same time, it's a team sport, so the timing and the communication with the receivers and the o-line issues need to progress and straighten themselves out too. so we'll see how the next two weeks play out. I have no idea whether or not chow will pan out as a successful head coach (however you want to define that term), but I'm willing to give him the usual 3 seasons to get his recruits in and set his foundation and see the type of progress (if any) he makes, instead of knee jerk reacting after a poor first season and calling for the head of a first time college qb after one bad game and starting a bunch of freshmen at the skilled positions.

and yeah. USC is overrated. I can't wait for stanford to drop 80 on them.

There may some merit to the lack of an experienced OC up in the booth. What's done is done regarding Price. Hopefully, the offensive GAs can adapt under fire and provide Chow with an accurate assessment of what's transpiring from above. Next season, an OC will need to be hired. Perhaps Jordan Wynn will demonstrate enough ability to be considered for the OC position. The low salary UH offers will be a detriment to bringing in an experience OC from the mainland. Utah had mixed results with a young OC in Brian Johnson (the reason Dennis Erickson was hired). BYU also had mixed results with Brandon Doman, who was hired with almost no coaching experience (Doman is now out of coaching working for the family business in Utah). The jury is still out on how BYU's new OC Robert Anae (with his boy - Mark Atuaia in tow) will fare in his second stint in Provo.

I believe that Ammon Barker is scheduled to redshirt. At least that's the plan. Same with Keenan Ewaliko and Drake Miller. But, you never know, though as needs may arise due to injuries or personnel changes. There seems to be less of a "gap" between first and second teamers with this second recruiting class. Just need to continue to recruit and improve the talent level, IMHO.

Wow lau lau! Bad economy, furlough Fridays (pioneered in Hawaii) at State and Federal level. My beer was warm; my hot dog was under-cooked. We need to get a grip on what the game means to the people who play it and the fans who live and breathe with it. Please stop trying to mud-hole stomp (that's and SEC term) anyone who does not agree with you. The blog is much more interesting and beneficial when it is not hi-jacked by petty bickering. If this wasn't so anonymous, many of you would be ashamed to show up at work the next day. http://www.toledoblade.com/sports/2013/09/02/Bacon-s-book-shines-light-on-Big-Ten-tension.html Fourth and Long: The Fight for the Soul of College Football.

I said that last season also...that chow needs a tablet to see the field from above. Apple, samsung...sponsorship please.

Maybe its just me. but what im seeing is that chow has a choice to make. develop quarterbacks like you used to...when you never had head coach responsibilities, or understand that your job now is about winning and not necessarily trying to create the next heisman.

If the QB doesn't get it, it's time to move on. I'm more critical with graham since he has had a year of learning with no pressure on him. compared to shroeder who pretty much was just thrown into the fire, did what he could, did not have a year to learn chows system and quite frankly, i don't think shroeder had a 4 pick 30% completion day?

simply saying shroeder went into SC and had a better game then graham did at home and thats why i cant by the excuses that are being given for graham. remember shroeder did not have a year to learn chows system and shroeder was pretty much only high school experience as well.

if you take those common denominators, shroeder should really be at the wheel. the lights came on and graham was still in the dark. chow, if graham doesnt get in done, make the change please. or please tell us, are you here on a personal mission to create a pro quarterback, or are you here to win games for the university of hawaii.

Moocher, I buy your argument completely. However, I'm not sure that Graham doesn't have a lot more in the tank than people are giving him credit for....true, he had an atrocious game...4 pics is tragic, but he may raddle easier than schroeder.

I'll tell you what perplexes me: During fall camp Schroeder consistantly had great days...never missed a beat, threw not just good passes but stellar passes, had a higher completion rate and looked like a guy who really had total control. I know, I went to a practice where Graham really struggled and Schroeder just played lights out. I left really convinced that Schroeder would be our starter if he managed to maintain that state of play.

Rolovich might be a consideration for Offensive Coordinator if he wants to return to Hawaii. I don't know about the salary situation, but would you rather be in Reno or in Honolulu? I don't know. He's done a very good job with Cody Fajardo. Didn't Rolovich recruit Woosley at CC of San Francisco?

Put down another terrific dual threat QB, redshirt freshman, 6'4" 218 lbs. Florida State QB Jameis Winston. In the first half today against Pittsburgh, 17 of 18 passing w/ 240 yards and 3 touchdown. 3 rushes for 15 yards and another touchdown. 28-10 at the half. Mark May must be sick w/ his alma mater's defense and Lou Holtz must be laughing.

Dear Road Warriors: HAWAIIAN AIRLINES' Boeing 767s used to offer movies on overhead screens—no seat-back entertainment, but passengers could pay $17 to rent an "in-flight entertainment tablet" and pick from a broad selection of movies to watch. Now all portable entertainment devices are replaced by the Apple iPad Mini on its 767-300 flights starting September 1. (Maybe October 1 Hawaiian time.)

While he's an awesome defensive player at DE & LB, JMHO that Fisiiahi will be a power RB in college. USC probably looking at him as a FB, while he could play either RB or FB at UH.....like Joey. Good running instincts from all his rugby experience.

Mathias Tuitele-Iafeta (McKinley HS) also another power RB prospect. Although an awesome LB, could be an even better RB prospect.

Manoa1: "all you warrior fans should stop kidding yourselves" Oh, Oh! Sounds like someone didn't get pancakes today. My dad, rest his soul, always made family pancakes on Labor Day, before he went golf, fish, softball, etc. Don't kid yourself, its hard to be angry with the whole world when you've had a nice pancake breakfast with maybe some chorizo or Portagee sausage on the side. Manoa1 please share my family pancakes today.

113. Derek: from down here in Seminole land . . . you have a good eye for talent.

Florida State QB Jameis Winston won that QB job over some serious competition. He is in the physical mold of EJ Manuel, and is more of an athletic freak than EJ ever was. I am told he also has that Alpha Male thing going for him in the huddle like Christian Ponder did before EJ. Winston could be the third FSU QB in a row to go into the NFL. Recruiting.

Jeezy, let me know when the majority of first time division I qbs (freshmen or otherwise) bust onto the scene and make perfect reads and perfect throws the very first game. There are some that are exceptional talents that perform extremely well right off the bat, but that's also the result of being surrounded by talent, and established coaching and offensive schemes.

everyone has bad games. cut the kid some slack. if by the third game there is zero progress being made, then okay. Timmy chang went 9-22 for 130 yards, 0 tds and 2 picks his very first game against UTEP (of all teams). He wasn't benched right off the bat and his scholarship wasn't revoked. He ended up fine as the season and his career went on.

124... Too bad we don't have a freshman starting though do we.... You don't bring in a junior and expect freshman learning curve... I don't even blame everything on the QB.. But when there were opportunities to make plays, plays weren't made. If you want to say Hawaii D looks impressive, then you need to admit that Hawaii QBs see the same D at practice for all off the off season. YEs u dont get hit but accuracy and reads shouldn't change that much.

I enjoyed the game(sober and no
$ on game) We are getting there!!!
Support the coaches and players!!!
Be a Fan!!!!!!!!
Imua Warriors!!!!!!!!!!'n
Thank you coach Coach Chow
and your staff for your hard work.
Chow fun is comming !!!!!!
It's a process!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hawaii 27 Oregon st 25

You see the mistake you people make is responding to me. You think by calling me on my nonsensical perspectives that I will change. You are very wrong. I need for you to notice me and respond to me. It is like food to me. So I will continue to say ridiculous things until you just ignore me. I don't want to make sense.....I want to be paid attention to. This works for me. Please keep being affected by my inane comments. I warn you......if you stop responding I might go away!

144. If you're going to give a Junior QB the learning curve of a Freshman then you probably shouldn't have brought him in the first place. You don't start a guy based on strictly potential. The coaches obviously expect a lot more and he does too. I am not blaming him for the game completely but he didn't take advantage of opportunities when presented.

Don't see the point in bringing up Dan Robinson... He was a 2 year starter that had a career below 50% completion percentage. Hawaii won games because the team as a whole was discipline and played with a chip on their shoulder every week. That team also had talent and protected well, played good defense. They managed the game...

USC didn't beat Hawaii on Friday. It was simply 2 defenses that dominated and Hawaii's offense made mistakes while USC offense made 1. There offense is way more talented as well so they will capitalize eventually while Hawaii couldn't capitalize at all.

If TG can take care of the football, sustain a few drives, then definitely this team can win 5 games possibly. But expecting the next Colt isn't going to happen....

Back to your Timmy Chang example.. It's not like Chang became an accurate passer as the years went on... Chang was good because he was so knowledgable of the offense. Accuracy was always medicore. Colt on the other hand made mistakes on his reads but was so accurate that he got by with it.. So Graham accuracy is going to be an issue moving forward. HE throws the long ball nicely but it's more important to be accurate with the intermediate routes.

Hawaii is not the kind of team that will come back from deficits, especially on the mainland.
Oregon St. QB Sean Mannion threw for over 400 plus yards with an 85% passing accuracy.
Thus, you can expect that Oregon St. will keep the ball away from us and move the ball down the field and eventually will score. In other words, at least Oregon State has some consistency in moving the ball and score. Oregon St. Achilles might be that they give up some points too, but Hawaii doesn't score nearly as much as when we were running the run and shoot. We cannot win games in a shootout when the score gets to close to 30 or more points by the other team, especially against PAC 12 teams. So, I anticipate that Oregon State will score first and we will slowly fall behind with each succeeding quarter. The line is holding at-27 to -28 and I think I'll give Hawaii one touchdown and one field goal for maybe 10 points. Oregon St. should be able to have enough firepower to score around 40+ points. Hawaii's defense will play their hearts again, but Hawaii turnovers will kill us again and the game will get out of hand in the second and third quarters and they will coast in the 4th quarter. That's the way I see it, and it's a scenario we have seen a lot lately. God, I hope I''m wrong!!!

Not giving up on him, but I think we'll need a combination of QBs to get through this season while TG gets up to speed. It's a team sport, not a sport about one man. Although sometimes I think Chow coaches that way.

I agree with you wholeheartedly, BUT, I still say, come game time, play to win - for all the players on the field and NOT just to to give one guy OJT. All the other guys put in as many hours or more, too. They deserve every chance to come out winnners each and every game.

178. What potential exactly though.. If he didn't play much in high school because of injuries and hasn't played in college, then the only potential anyone is going off is size and arm strength.

You can't say he is amazing at reading defenses or has a big time pocket presence because def need game evaluation to determine that sort of potential. He def isn't known for his speed...

When I think of potential for a QB, I don't care about height or arm strength in college... Kellen Moore is the ideal QB who proves that height and arm strength in the COLLEGE GAME is over rated.... Field Awareness, knowledge of offense, pocket presence, and accuracy are all that really matters. Hawaii's offense did just fine with a dual threat walk on like Bryant Moniz and even Shane Austin was very capable.. I actually wanted to see more Austin when Moniz was struggling.

I think you can sacrifice a little accuracy when u have a QB who can run like Graves or Moniz. If we aren't going to protect well, a mobile QB might give the offense a better chance to succeed. It worked when Oklahoma St switched to Walsh against Miss St.

Think about it, if we just take care of the football against USC, that game goes down to the wire. I'm not even talking about incomplete passes even. Just simply taking care of the ball. USC offense wasn't lighting up the score board. They just got enough first downs to control field possession game while Hawaii would not move on offense and turn the ball over...

TG does deserve more time to prove what he has... But being a junior, the future is now and there really should be no room for a long leash if the offense isn't improving by Nevada game...

Oregon St is a bad match up... The D they have is built to stop a team like Hawaii that doesn't offer much of a threat from run game and won't have to wory about Graham beating them with his feet. On the road with loud crowd wont help at all..